A report published in the July 27 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine finds that Type 1 diabetes patients can improve their prognosis by controlling their glucose as soon as possible.

The report considers the results of two studies that followed a group of diabetes patients for 30 years, starting very soon after they were diagnosed. Results showed that participants who practiced intensive glucose control suffered less damage to their vision, kidneys and cardiovascular systems than those who did not. In some cases the patients stayed nearly as healthy as a person who doesn’t have the condition.

Intensive glucose control is defined as three or more doses of insulin per day or the use of an insulin pump, keeping blood glucose levels in the near-normal range.

The report concludes that "intensive therapy must be implemented universally and as early as practical and safe to ensure the health of persons with Type 1 diabetes."

While this is great news for people with diabetes prevention is still the best course of action. A healthy diet and exercise can help prevent the onset of diabetes, but for those who already suffer from the disease, herbal supplements containing cinnamon can help the body process insulin, while bitter melon and fenugreek can help regulate blood glucose levels.